Morgan Hill: Police offer tips after spike in home, auto burglaries

MORGAN HILL -- Police are warning residents that in the past 40 days there's been a spike in the number of auto and residential burglaries, particularly in the Greenleaf neighborhood.

According to a news release issued Monday, there have been eight homes burglarized and 15 vehicles broken into since Nov. 1. The statement specifies Jasmine Way, Bluebonnet Way, Peppertree Drive and Almond Way as streets where the crimes have occurred. The area is behind Nordstrom Elementary School.

"We are asking all of our residents to be extra vigilant and to keep an eye on their neighborhood," states the release. It urges residents to avoid leaving valuable items in a car overnight or when it is unattended.

"The suspects most commonly break a window to gain entry into the vehicle," it states. "This is normally because the suspect can already see something of value in the vehicle before forced entry is made."

Other tips include making sure all windows and doors are locked when leaving the house, making sure a garage door closes and stays closed, park in well lighted areas and ask a trusted neighbor to watch a home that's going to be unoccupied overnight or longer.

Residents who wish to schedule a Neighborhood Watch meeting or have questions about avoiding crime can contact Officer Greg Dini at the Morgan Hill Police Department, 408-776-7300.